Tag Archives: contest

Each contest will have its own set of requirements for entry, with some being only slightly different and one being entirely different. So please, for your sake, pay attention to everything you fill out and/or complete all steps in regards to what you are asked to do in order for your entry to be valid*.

3) Fill out the brief (6 question) entry form below, or if you would prefer, head HERE to fill it out.

Rules & Eligibility

1) All of the entered names will be collected from the survey site and pasted into a computer generated random name picker. All of this will be videotaped so that nobody can cry foul. To see examples of us using this tool, click here. If we are lucky, maybe we will bump into Col. Bruce and get him to draw names out of a beer pitcher again.

3) For any contest that has tickets involved, such as today’s or “Warren Wednesday” did, the winner will be announced the following day. Other winners will be announced within 7 days from the entry deadline.

Eligibility requirements:

1) Only entries that conform to ALL of the specifications outlined in â€œHow to Enterâ€ will be considered.

2) No previous or current Honest Tune editor/staff may enter

3) Contributors (senior and otherwise) may enter.

4) Only one entry per person/ per â€œprizeâ€ will be allowed and IP Addresses are logged on the survey site.

5) Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and from within the continental United States.

6) All applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of entry and may be required to prove age prior to prize being sent, particularly in cases when an album may contain explicit lyrics or when concert or festival tickets are being offered.

GOOD LUCK!

[AWD_likebutton]

** Winner is responsible for all travel fees, to include but not be limited by hotels, parking expenses, food, gasoline, other ancillary expense, etc. The winner will only receive complimentary entry to the show specified and NO NAME CHANGES will be allowed. â€œEntryâ€ does not necessarily mean â€œticket.â€ It may mean â€œguest listingâ€ or other means of entry. In other words, donâ€™t enter if you already know you cannot go. Lastly, entry to event(s) based upon winning entitles winner to a place in the venue and does not imply a â€œgreat seatâ€ though it very well may be; it also does not imply â€œpress, photography, other media or backstage access or privileges unless otherwise stated as such. *** See Fine Print*** See Fine Print

Fine Print This contest is solely the responsibility of Honest Tune and no purchase is necessary to win. Enrollment in any site is not mandatory, albeit preferred. In a case where a prospective entrant would like to enter without subscribing to a 3rd party site, he/she may send a postcard with information asked for in the official web entry form. ONLY postcards will be accepted and any envelopes will be discarded immediately upon receipt. In no case shall Honest Tune use any information provided by entrants to any second or third party. Information may only be kept for internal database and may be used for future emails directly and solely related to interest for which this site is categorized and only regarding interests expressed solely by Honest Tune. This contest is not affiliated with nor is it endorsed by any artist , band, group or venue featured or any other representatives, promoters, owners or management thereof. In each case, an agent of each has been notified of these proceedings as a courtesy, or in response to a promotional giveaway that may or may not be included in this offer. Odds of winning depend solely on number of entries. The winner will be contacted via his/her email address and must respond to the contact within 72 hours. If no response is received, it shall be deemed that winner wishes to forfeit his/her prize. All entries must be received from within the United States. Rules & eligibility requirements may be changed with or without notice within the first 72 hours of the contestâ€™s launch. After 72 hours, any changes will be posted via Honest Tuneâ€™s Twitter or Facebook account. All entries must be submitted via the above listed criteria and Honest Tune reserves the right to disqualify entries based solely on its discretion and upon an entryâ€™s lack of conformity to the standards outlined above. Postcards should be addressed exactly as follows: Contests c/o Honest Tune-Online 1 Independent Dr. Rainbow City, AL 35906. Prize Values will be listed within 60 days of contest closing due to the ongoing nature of this contest. Any questions regarding this contest should be directed to the the contact option on the Honest Tune Home Page.

For every music fan, there is a favorite time of year. There are those that relish in festival hopping or the shed tours of summers. Others appreciate spring for its innate ability to bring its new life into our lives and thereby draw us from within the warm confines of our homes that, for the preceding months, had been almost solely about the NFL, network programming and financial belt tightening, courtesy of overdoing yet one more way overdone holiday season. But with that said, Winter isn”t all about icicles and houses that smell like forest fires; there are destination music events, like Jam Cruise, Mayan Holidaze, or newcomers likeÂ (Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth) or Mountain Song at Sea(Del McCoury, Grisman, Punch Brothers). Destination gigs not your bag or a bit out of your wallet”s current comfort zone? Hit up Bear Creek, the event that relies on funk for warmth and hails from a host site, the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, that”s as good as any calendar at determining what time of year it is.

The fact of the matter is that there is something absolutely unique and awesome about each quarter of the year; and the one that we are currently experiencing is perhaps the best example of seasonal individualism of them all.

Perhaps John Keats described autumn best when he wrote, in part, that it is the…

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,

Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;

Conspiring with him how to load and bless

With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;

This alignment of our Mother Earth with Helios yields a bountiful harvest that has every bit as much to do with beloved new music for fans and listeners as it does apples, butternut squash or sweet potatoes.Â It is a season when well rehearsed bands hit the road, oftentimes on the heels of a fresh studio or precisely culled and mastered live release. It is when bands or solo artists have to compete, bringing nothing short of their “A” game. Sound issues cannot be blamed on lack of a thorough soundcheck or an unassuming chap working front of house at ____________ Music Festival and was “inept and therefore, missed his cues.” Nope, the onus falls squarely on the shoulders of the players and those within their production outfit. It is all intensely exciting.

This year, the harvest is abundant. Some of the greats from within our most tracked niche are out on tours, some of which are present quite a unique opportunity. Still others are either about to release a new album or have just recently done so. Because of this, we at Honest Tune have amassed quite a collection of awesomeness and since our primary job here is to share what we have — whether in the form of news, articles, reviews, videos, photos or in this case, goods — with you, the folks that give this little labor of love a purpose.

Over the coming weeks, the giveaways will be grand and therefore, we figured that we should get things underway in a large fashion in hopes that you will embrace us, share what we are doing and if nothing else, enter to win some free shit… some of which will make you yearn withÂ hope for a win, while one is just downright ridiculous, to the point that we should probably see a shrink before announcing the item(s) included.

It all began yesterday, with Warren Wednesday, through ________ Monday, 10/22/12 there will be a contest announced.

Each contest will recognize some of our most favorite guitarists. In most cases, names will coincide with days of the week. In one, it won”t, but the fact that we were celebrating guitarists overtook the desire to be cute… and any Honest Tune celebration of guitarists will always include the person whose name simply doesn”t fit with a day.

One word to the wise before beginning: READ EVERYTHING AND FOLLOW ALL CONTEST RULES in today”s contest, whether it be Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Monday.Â

EachÂ contest will have its own set of requirements for entry, with some being only slightly different and one being entirely different. So please, for your sake, pay attention to everything you fill out and/or complete all steps in regards to what you are asked to do in order for your entry to be valid*.

Links to Days 1-3

[AWD_likebutton]

Â UPDATE: Sunday”s contest will come out this Sunday, 10/29/12

Rules & Eligibility

1)All of the entered names will be collected from the survey site and pasted into a computer generated random name picker. All of this will be videotaped so that nobody can cry foul. To see examples of us using this tool, click here. If we are lucky, maybe we will bump into Col. Bruce and get him to draw names out of a beer pitcher again.

3)For any contest that has tickets involved, such as today”s or “Warren Wednesday” did, the winner will be announced the following day. Other winners will be announced within 7 days from the entry deadline.

Eligibility requirements:

1) Only entries that conform to ALL of the specifications outlined in â€œHow to Enterâ€ will be considered.

2) No previous or current Honest Tune editor/staff may enter

3) Contributors (senior and otherwise) may enter.

4) Only one entry per person/ per â€œprizeâ€ will be allowed and IP Addresses are logged on the survey site.

5) Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and from within the continental United States.

6) All applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of entry and may be required to prove age prior to prize being sent, particularly in cases when an album may contain explicit lyrics or when concert or festival tickets are being offered.Â

GOOD LUCK!

Â [AWD_likebutton]

** Winner is responsible for all travel fees, to include but not be limited by hotels, parking expenses, food, gasoline, other ancillary expense, etc. The winner will only receive complimentary entry to the show specified and NO NAME CHANGES will be allowed. â€œEntryâ€ does not necessarily mean â€œticket.â€ It may mean â€œguest listingâ€ or other means of entry. In other words, donâ€™t enter if you already know you cannot go. Lastly, entry to event(s) based upon winning entitles winner to a place in the venue and does not imply a â€œgreat seatâ€ though it very well may be; it also does not imply â€œpress, photography, other media or backstage access or privileges unless otherwise stated as such. *** See Fine Print*** See Fine Print

Fine Print This contest is solely the responsibility of Honest Tune and no purchase is necessary to win. Enrollment in any site is not mandatory, albeit preferred. In a case where a prospective entrant would like to enter without subscribing to a 3rd party site, he/she may send a postcard with information asked for in the official web entry form. ONLY postcards will be accepted and any envelopes will be discarded immediately upon receipt. In no case shall Honest Tune use any information provided by entrants to any second or third party. Information may only be kept for internal database and may be used for future emails directly and solely related to interest for which this site is categorized and only regarding interests expressed solely by Honest Tune. This contest is not affiliated with nor is it endorsed by any artist , band, group or venue featured or any other representatives, promoters, owners or management thereof. In each case, an agent of each has been notified of these proceedings as a courtesy, or in response to a promotional giveaway that may or may not be included in this offer. Odds of winning depend solely on number of entries. The winner will be contacted via his/her email address and must respond to the contact within 72 hours. If no response is received, it shall be deemed that winner wishes to forfeit his/her prize. All entries must be received from within the United States. Rules & eligibility requirements may be changed with or without notice within the first 72 hours of the contestâ€™s launch. After 72 hours, any changes will be posted via Honest Tuneâ€™s Twitter or Facebook account. All entries must be submitted via the above listed criteria and Honest Tune reserves the right to disqualify entries based solely on its discretion and upon an entryâ€™s lack of conformity to the standards outlined above. Postcards should be addressed exactly as follows: Contests c/o Honest Tune-Online 1 Independent Dr. Rainbow City, AL 35906. Prize Values will be listed within 60 days of contest closing due to the ongoing nature of this contest. Any questions regarding this contest should be directed to the the contact option on the Honest Tune Home Page.Â Â

As most know, we at Honest Tune absolutely love hosting contests. They are our way of saying “thanks” for your support. Without you guys and gals reading the articles, watching the videos, checking out the photos, sharing the links, etc., the efforts that are put in from our end would be pretty pointless.Â Something that you may have missed though is our love for charity. Over the years, we have been proud to lend a tiny hand to some large and very worthy causes, especially in the wake of disasters.

We aren’t mentioning the above events to pat ourselves on the back. Rather, we do so to express our value for the relationship between music and community. It is due to this value that we recognize and support the inherentÂ correlation between music and charity. Because after all, what better way is there to be good brothers and sisters to our neighbors than to help them in their time of greatest need?

Inspired by events such as Warren Hayne’s annual Christmas Jam, John Bell’s annual Hannah’s Buddy’s Classic and most relevant to the cause we will be supporting with this effort, 2010’s Fourmile Canyon Revival — where String Cheese, Phish, Leftover Salmon & Big Head Todd got together to help raise funds for those affected by the Fourmile Canyon fires.

Today, in conjunction with Free Stuff Friday, we will once again be flexing our “giving” muscles in support of those that have been affected by the ongoing Colorado forest fires.

What is currently going on in Colorado is unprecedented for the Centennial State. Since the first fire began, approximately 17,600 acres have been scorched and a total of 347 homes have been completely destroyed. The people that have been affected have lost everything, including many things that no amount of money will ever replace: family heirlooms, photographs, digital files, pets, and for two families (so far), the loss of a human loved one’s life.

The unfortunate part is that right now, in spite of the valiant and tireless efforts from the emergency responders, the fires show no signs of slowing. Hopefully that will soon change after today’s visit from President Obama and the utilization of all eight of the United States Air Force’s cargo planes equipped to fight wildfires that began this morning. However, even if the efforts by all involved suddenly worked and all fires were extinguished, it would not bring back all that has been lost or lessen the burden (financial and otherwise) of the families that have already been affected.

This brings us to OUR part — meaning us at Honest Tune and YOU, the rest of the Honest Tune family.

Free Stuff Friday!

Seriously, you really need to read everything from here on to be sure that you get it right. It’s not that it is that hard. It’s just that there are several entry options and the like.

Being that today is a very special installment of FSF, we are offering a host of stuff. Yep, that is right, we cleaned out our closet and have come up with some great stuff that you will have the ability to enter to win. To boot, all you have to do is enter and share this page. We will do the donating… for every entry legit received Honest Tune will donate a buck*. Sound like a pretty swell idea? Yeah, we thought so too.

“Why are you guys doing this?” you may ask. Well, there are a lot of reasons, but in order to keep it short and sweet, here is the main one: We hope that you will follow our lead and donate to the cause through the links that will be provided by each item.Â We want to see just how much we can get you ladies and gentlemen to join in.

For the record, and as will be explained in the rules and fine print, donating WILL NOT increase your chances of winning. However, for everyone that donates, there will be a special drawing for a “mystery prize.” What exactly is this mystery prize? Well, it wouldn’t be a mystery of we told ya. It could be a pair of socks. It could be a ________________ (use your imagination).Â

Offered exclusively at Leftover Salmon’s 4/20/2012 gig in Atlanta, the poster is a mock of Cheech & Chong’s classic flick, Up In Smoke. It features Vince Herman’s and Drew Emmitt’s heads where those of Cheech and Chong’s were in the original design.Â It is perfect for framing and would make for a hilarious conversation piece, especially when you and your pals are sitting around on a Saturday, smoking …. Wait, I forgot what were we talking about? Let’s go get some tacos. Yummy!

2) One winner will walk away with a copy of Van Ghost‘s latest EP, The Effect, and two tee-shirts (sized XL and medium)

Van Ghost is the brainchild of Michael Harrison Berg and is a band that is primed to take on everything from Sirius’s Jam ON to Top 40 and festivals that cater to virtually any flavor, sans hip-hop or dub-step. The Effect EP is the prelude to the full version, Domino Effect, that will be released soon. Featuring a stellar band that includes the one and only Jennifer Hartswick (of Trey Anastasio fame), Van Ghost is methodically and successfully tackling the tall task of becoming a force to be reckoned with in a music industry that is nearly impossible to figure out. They are doing so by taking the old school route… making good music.Â

Â Everything Everytime Everywhere, his fifth studio release thatÂ â€” just as the case has been since he released his first album in the 11th grade â€”Â finds him leading with his strongest suit: his scholarly aptitude as a songwriter.Elementally diverse, the listening journey on E3 is broad; at times heavy and spiritual while at others, playful and toe tapping. Through a mish-mashing of genres (while remaining fundamentally rooted in reggae styling), the sonic diversity makes for a record that can be played time and again without becoming stale

4) One winner will walk away with a Get in the Van poster signed by Henry Rollins.

Wait. Stop the press! Hank Rollins in an Honest Tune? Don’t place us in a box homey. If you were keeping up, you would have realized that we are covering a lot of stuff that would cause you to be surprised. Shame Shame. Just kidding. For real though, Get in the Van is a remarkable book. Get in the Van is a memoir by singer, writer, and spoken word artist Henry Rollins first published in 1994 by Rollins’ own company, 2.13.61 Publications. The book is composed of journal entries that Rollins kept while he was lead singer of the band Black Flag from 1981 to its breakup in 1986. Other text includes recollections of times when he had yet to start, or had lapsed in, his journal-keeping.Sections of the book were read and recorded by Rollins and released as a 2-CD set, which won a Grammy in 1995 for Best Spoken Word Album. (Source: Wikipedia)

6) One winner will walk away with a PGroove New Year’s Eve poster signed by the band + former keyboardist, John Hruby.Â

This is a must have for any Perpetual Groove fan. The fact that it is signed by the current four members of the band plus former keyboardist, John Hruby makes it something that will likely never be seen again. As most in the PG fanbase know, New Year’s Eve marked the night when John Hruby turned the ivory reins back over to founding member, Matt McDonald, after his three year tenure in the band.Â The night that the guards were exchanged left quite the impression on Honest Tune Associate Editor & Live Music Editor, David Shehi, who wrote “As the 2011 chapter reached its final pages, Perpetual Groove had set the stage for a climactic ending, a cliffhanger that has Perps on the edge of their seat as they anxiously anticipate the next chapter. PGroove 2.0 looks and feelsÂ like it is going to be a hell of a ride.”

Luther Dickinson has been one busy dude here lately. Between his normal crazy touring schedule with North Mississippi Allstars, he has, amongst other things, releasedÂ Hambone’s Meditations, a solo instrumental album that had Honest Tune Editor In Chief, Tom Speed, raving. Tom wrote “Dickinson the guitarist, the composer and the student are all on display on this accomplished recording. Within the nooks and crannies of the compositions here, there is great heart in this loving tribute to the many fellow maestros who have come before him.” Then there is also his latest band project, The Wandering, that features a collection of talented musicians including Shannon McNally, Amy Lavere, Valerie June, and Sharde Thomas. They too have also released an album, Go On Now, You Canâ€™t Stay Here, the had Honest Tune Managing Editor, Josh Mintz, proclaiming that the group is “is [vocal] a powerhouse.” After debuting at DelFest, The Wandering are prepping for a tour. (To hear Luther talk about all of this, click here) To Luther, we say “slow down!” Wait, no we don’t. We can’t get enough.Â

8 ) One winner will walk away with an autographed copy of Martin sexton‘s latest album, Fall Like Rain.

Listening to Martin Sexton is a trip down a sonic lane like no other. With his most recent EP, Fall Like Rain, Marty hasnâ€™t veered too far off the course that has brought him success in the past. It is deeply personal at times and playful at others. His unique vocal range and tone defies any vocal coachâ€™s lesson plan and his songwriting touches on the entire literary spectrum. However, it is the honesty and integrity of his lyrical craft that makes identification easy and lending an empathic ear, a listenerâ€™s natural response. The best part is that he does every bit of it in the live settingâ€¦every night.

8 ) One winner will walk away with a tour and Light promotional poster, signed by Matisyahu.Â

Since first emerging on the international stage in 2005, Matisyahu has established a reputation for transcending boundaries- from the stripped-down roots reggae of the gold-certifiedÂ Live at Stubbâ€™sÂ to the trippy ministrations ofÂ the Grammy nominated YouthÂ to the polished pop eclecticism ofÂ Light. Then in 2010, Live at Stubbs Vol. II sold over 2 million copies, worldwide. Now based with his family inÂ Los Angeles, Matisyahu has released Spark Seeker, a bold new studio album that finds the vocalist and songwriter exploring uncharted territory.

How to Enterâ€¦ PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Below are links to enter for each prize. You will also see an option to donate to a cause that has been vetted and is assisting with the disastrous fires currently consuming large areas in Colorado. We encourage you to donate, but donating DOES NOT increase your odds of winning.Â If you choose to donate, you will click on the link to fill out the “DONATOR’s” entry form. The reason for separate entry forms is solely for the purpose of our being able to identify the impact that this effort has on the cause of helping those that have been affected by the fires in Colorado.

For the CamelBak EDDY Bottle:

1) Log into your Facebook or Twitter.

For Facebook users: scroll to the bottom of this page and click “Like”. Facebook users MUST BE “fans” of Honest Tune Magazine on Facebook and CamelBak on Facebook.

For Twitter users: scroll down unto you see our tweet. Retweet it.Â Twitter users must be “following” @honesttunemag on Twitter.

For the Leftover Salmon poster:

1) Log into your Facebook or Twitter account(s).

For Facebook users: scroll to the bottom of this page and click “Like”. Facebook users MUST BE “fans” of Honest Tune Magazine on Facebook. If you are feeling froggy, leave a comment as you “like” this post. We would definitely like to read what you have to type.

For Twitter users: scroll down unto you see our tweet. Retweet it.Â Twitter users must be “following” @honesttunemag on Twitter.

For the Van Ghost CD/T-Shirt Bundle:

1) Log into your Facebook or Twitter account(s).

For Facebook users: scroll to the bottom of this page and click “Like”. Facebook users MUST BE “fans” of Honest Tune Magazine on Facebook. If you are feeling froggy, leave a comment as you “like” this post. We would definitely like to read what you have to type.

For Twitter users: scroll down unto you see our tweet. Retweet it.Â Twitter users must be “following” @honesttunemag on Twitter.

For the T-Shirt & autographed Trevor Hall CD bundle:

1) Log into your Facebook or Twitter account(s).

For Facebook users: scroll to the bottom of this page and click “Like”. Facebook users MUST BE “fans” of Honest Tune Magazine on Facebook. If you are feeling froggy, leave a comment as you “like” this post. We would definitely like to read what you have to type.

For Twitter users: scroll down unto you see our tweet. Retweet it.Â Twitter users must be “following” @honesttunemag on Twitter.

For the Henry Rollins poster:

1) Log into your Facebook or Twitter account(s).

For Facebook users: scroll to the bottom of this page and click “Like”. Facebook users MUST BE “fans” of Honest Tune Magazine on Facebook. If you are feeling froggy, leave a comment as you “like” this post. We would definitely like to read what you have to type.

For Twitter users: scroll down unto you see our tweet. Retweet it.Â Twitter users must be “following” @honesttunemag on Twitter.

For the Luther Dickinson 8×10:

1) Log into your Facebook or Twitter account(s).

For Facebook users: scroll to the bottom of this page and click “Like”. Facebook users MUST BE “fans” of Honest Tune Magazine on Facebook. If you are feeling froggy, leave a comment as you “like” this post.Â We would definitely like to read what you have to type.

For Twitter users: scroll down unto you see our tweet. Retweet it.Â Twitter users must be “following” @honesttunemag on Twitter.

For the Martin Sexton CD:

1) Log into your Facebook or Twitter account(s).

For Facebook users: scroll to the bottom of this page and click “Like”. Facebook users MUST BE “fans” of Honest Tune Magazine on Facebook. If you are feeling froggy, leave a comment as you “like” this post. We would definitely like to read what you have to type.

For Twitter users: scroll down unto you see our tweet. Retweet it. Twitter users must be “following” @honesttunemag on Twitter.

For the Matisyahu autographed poster:

1) Log into your Facebook or Twitter account(s).

For Facebook users: scroll to the bottom of this page and click “Like”. Facebook users MUST BE “fans” of Honest Tune Magazine on Facebook. If you are feeling froggy, leave a comment as you “like” this post. We always love to read what you have to type.

For Twitter users: scroll down unto you see our tweet. Retweet it.Â Twitter users must be “following” @honesttunemag on Twitter.

Rules & Eligibility

How a winner will be chosen:

1) All of the entered names will be copied from the survey site and pasted into a computer generated random name picker. All of this will be videotaped so that nobody can cry foul. To see examples of us using this tool, click here. If we are lucky, maybe we will bump into Col. Bruce and get him to draw names out of a beer pitcher again.2) The deadline for entry is Saturday, 7/14/12 at 11:59 PM CST

2) The deadline for entry is Saturday, 7/15/12 at 11:59 PM CST

3) Donating does not increase odds of winning. It does however place you in the running for the “mystery prize.”

Eligibility requirements:

1)ALL entrants must be either “fans” of Honest Tune Magazine on Facebook or following @honesttunemag on Twitter

2) Only entries that conform to the specifications outlined in â€œHow to Enterâ€ will be considered.

3) No previous or current Honest Tune editor/staff may enter

4) Contributors (senior and otherwise) may enter.

5) Only one entry per person/ per â€œprizeâ€ will be allowed and IP Addresses are logged on the survey site.

6) Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and from within the continental United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Q: Can I enter for more than 1 of the prizes?

A: Yes, but you must complete the requirements for each entry. Obviously you will not be able to “double like” the post, but you will be able to complete the rest of the requirements.

2) Q: Are my odds of winning better if I donate?

A: Pretty sure we covered this. NO.Â Everybody’s odds are the same. The only “benefit” for those that do donate — other than the great feeling of giving — is that they will be entered into the “MYSTERY PRIZE” drawing.Â

3) Q: I do not have Facebook or Twitter. Does that mean that I can’t enter?

A: It sure does. Listen, if you cannot figure out how to work around this issue then it is probably best that you just head back with your pals, the Fraggles, and dance your cares away.

4) Q: You didn’t answer the question I have. How can I get in touch with you?

A: Figure it out. HINT: Look up, then right! 8)

GOOD LUCK!

Fine Print This contest is solely the responsibility of Honest Tune. It is not affiliated with nor is it endorsed by ANY of the bands/ artists represented herein. No purchase necessary and entrants that opt to donate do so of their own good will. Donating entrants’ odds of winning are identical to those that opt to not donate. Odds of winning depend strictly upon number of entries. All winners will be contacted via his/her email address and must respond to the contact within 72 hours. Should initial winner not respond within 72 hours, he/she will forfeit his/her claim to prize. All entries must be received from within the United States. Rules & eligibility requirements may be changed with or without notice within the first 72 hours of the contestâ€™s launch. After 72 hours, any changes will be posted via Honest Tuneâ€™s Twitter or Facebook account. All entries must be submitted via the above listed criteria and Honest Tune reserves the right to disqualify entries based solely its discretion and upon an entryâ€™s lack of conformity to the standards outlined above. Entry criteria shall be the only means by which site shall determine eligibility. Any questions regarding this contest should be directed to the the contact option on the Honest Tune Home Page found at HonestTune.com.

Two things that we absolutely love here at Honest Tune truth in music and contests! So, we have decided to combine our love of the two by bringing an opportunity for you to catch some of the finestÂ bluegrass pickin’ — courtesy of The Travelin’ McCourys, Bill Nershi (String Cheese Incident, Emmitt-Nershi), and Jeff Austin (Yonder Mountain string Band);

The events will bookend Chicago’s Bluegrass and Blues Festival and many fans are taking the opportunity to take in all three events. Well, we are pleased to present you, yes you, the opportunity to do so at the grand total of zero dollars (sans travel and other associated costs)

Over the past year, we have found ourselves in some unique positions with these artists, gathering exclusive footage for the ages (see below). So consider this a celebration of sorts… a celebration in the joy of giving.

But first, let’s have a look at who will be playing. (Bios courtesy of the artists)

The Artists

The Travelinâ€™ McCourys do not stand still. They are on the roadâ€“and onlineâ€“entertaining audiences with live shows that include some of the best musicians and singers from all genres. Itâ€™s always different, always exciting, and always great music. No other band today has the same credentials for playing traditional and progressive music. As the sons of bluegrass legend Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury on mandolin and Rob McCoury on banjo continue their fatherâ€™s work-a lifelong dedication to the power of bluegrass music to bring joy into peopleâ€™s lives. And with fiddler Jason Carter and bassist Alan Bartram, the ensemble is loved and respected by the bluegrass faithful. But the band is now combining their sound with others to make something fresh and rejuvenated.

Jeff Austin is best known for his many years playing mandolin for Colorado heavy hitters, Yonder Mountain String Band. Yonder has always played by their own set of rules bending bluegrass, rock and roll, and countless other influences. While most known for his playing with Yonder Mountain String Band, Jeff has played with countless musicians and is sought after by countless musicians and festivals alike.

From the saloons of Telluride to the some of the most sought after venues in America, Bill Nershi has delighted countless fans as a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and founding member of the String Cheese Incident. A seasoned veteran of flat-picking and a variety of acoustic styles, Nershi adds a unique, colorful perspective to virtually any musical situation he encounters, and his enthusiasm and playful spirit encourage an interactive, participatory experience for musicians and fans alike. His most recent forays into dobro, bass, and lap steel playing, as well as his accomplished songwriting contributions with Honkytonk Homeslice & the Emmitt-Nershi Band, prove that his musical horizons will only continue to expand.

Event Details

Who: The Bluegrass Ball featuring The Travelinâ€™ McCourys, Jeff Austin, Bill Nershi and Head for the Hills

Where:

The Contest

1) You are entering to win a pair of tickets to The Bluegrass Balls hosted by The Travelin’ McCourys on 1/20Â (in Indiana) and/or 1/22 performances in Missouri.

2) There will be two winners; one for 1/20 and one for 1/22. You can enter for both nights, but cannot win tickets for both.

How to enter:

1) After reading the eligibility requirements below, go HERE to enter for the pair of 1/20/12 tickets or HERE to enter for the pair of 1/22/12 tickets.

How a winner will be chosen:

1) All of the entered names will be copied from the survey site and pasted into a computer generated random name picker. All of this will be videotaped so that nobody can cry foul. To see examples of us using this tool, click here, here or here. Unfortunately, we cannot get Col. Bruce to pick names out of a beer pitcher every time. We would be a lot cooler if we could.

2) The deadline for entry is Thursday, 1/19/12 at 11:59 PM EST (for the 1/20 tickets) and 1/20/12 at 11:59PM EST (for the 1/22 tickets)

3) Good Luck!

Eligibility requirements

1) No previous or current Honest Tune editor/staff may enter.

2) Contributors may enter.

3) Only one entry per person (per date) will be allowed and IP Addresses are logged on the survey site.

4) Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and from within the continental United States.

The fine print: This contest and its management is the sole responsibility of Honest Tune. The contest is not endorsed or sponsored by The Travelin’ McCourys, The Bluegrass Ball, Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival or any artists represented herein . Any costs associated with the event (included but not limited to: lodging, travel, food, parking) will be the responsibility of the winner. IN other words, we are giving you the tickets and the rest is up to you. Honest Tune reserves the right to (at its sole discretion) disqualify entrants based upon lack of conformity to the entry process or other ineligibility as described in “Eligibility Requirements.” Tickets are not transferable. Odds of winning are based upon number of entries and the total value of each prize is $50.00.

Just when we thought that we were done with giveaways for the year, there is yet one more awesome thing to give away, courtesy of Silver Wrapper!

Over the past year, The Disco Biscuits performances have become increasingly rare, to the point that many are pondering the band’s future.

Well, one thing is certain… The Disco Biscuits are prepping to blow the roof off of Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, presented by Silver Wrapper.

Event Details:

Silver Wrapper is proud to bring in 2012 withÂ The Disco Biscuits, as they will be playing 2 nights (December 30 &Â December 31) at the beautifulÂ Auditorium Theatre inÂ Chicago, IL with Future Rock & Alpha Data on 12/31, and withÂ EOTO & Abakus on 12/30. Â Doors will be @ 7:30 pm, Ages 17+ for both shows. Tickets are available online, and at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (for no Service Fees) located at 50 E Congress Pkwy.

Donâ€™t miss the Late Night events at House of Blues Back Porch Stage, on 12/30 as DrFameus & Elfkowitz take the stage, and on 12/31 as The Polish Amabassador & DJ Thibault keep you dancing til the wee hours.

The Contest

1) You are entering to win a pair of tickets to The Disco Biscuits 12/30 and/or 12/31 performances in Chicago.

2) There will be two winners; one for 12/30 and one for 12/31. You can enter for both nights, but cannot win tickets for both.

How to enter:

1) After reading the eligibility requirements below, go HERE to enter for the pair of 12/30/11 tickets or HERE to enter for theÂ pair of 12/31/11 tickets.

How a winner will be chosen:

1) All of the entered names will be copied from the survey site and pasted into a computer generated random name picker. All of this will be videotaped so that nobody can cry foul. To see examples of us using this tool, click here, here or here. Unfortunately, we cannot get Col. Bruce to pick names out of a beer pitcher every time. We would be a lot cooler if we could.

2) The deadline for entry is Thursday, 12/29/11 at 11:59 PM EST (for the 12/30 tickets) and 12/30/11 at 11:59PM EST (for the 12/31 tickets)

3) Good Luck!

Eligibility requirements:

1) No previous or current Honest Tune editor/staff may enter.

2) Contributors may enter.

3) Only one entry per person (per date) will be allowed and IP Addresses are logged on the survey site.

4) Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and from within the continental United States.

The fine print: This contest and its management is the sole responsibility of Honest Tune. The contest is not endorsed or sponsored by The Disco Biscuits. Any costs associated with the event (included but not limited to: lodging, travel, food, parking) will be the responsibility of the winner. Honest Tune reserves the right to (at its sole discretion) disqualify entrants based upon lack of conformity to the entry process or other ineligibility as described in “Eligibility Requirements.”

It has been quite the year for our friends in Greensky Bluegrass, the quintet from Kalamazoo, MI. Beginning with Jam Cruise 9, Greensky has done nothing but show sustained growth as they have toured extensively, hitting numerous major music festivals along the way. Success hasn’t come easy for theÂ guys who have been at it for over a decade, but with the release of their latest studio offering, Handguns, it seems that the ensemble has finally pushed through to the well-deserved “other side.”

In reference to Handguns, Honest Tune‘s Jeff Green wrote thatÂ it proved “the bandâ€™s ability to flow seamlessly as a single unit, and incorporate a variety of elements from different musical forms.” It truly is an instant bluegrass classic with songs ranging from humorous to downright introspective. Further, it effectively accomplishes the difficult task of being a band that relishes in the road and being able to successfully lay down heavily road tested material and have it translate with seamless perfection to disc.

Back in September, Honest Tune‘s David Shehi and Rex Thomson spoke to the guys in what turned into one of the most hilarious interviews we have ever published, and showed just how natural the band is and how their organic nature does not stop with music, but carries through into their relationships amongst each other. (Below: Watch the video interview, Listen to two streaming tracks from Handguns and Read the fine print)

To celebrate the success of Handguns that debuted at number 3 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Chart, we would like to invite you, yes YOU, to enter for your chance to win a copy of your very own along with a copy of 2010’s double-disc live album, All Access Vol. 2.

What you are playing for:

1) You are entering to win a copy of Greensky Bluegrass albums, Handguns & All Access Vol. 2.

2) There will be only one first place prize winner who will win both items.

1) All of the entered names will be copied from the survey site and pasted into a computer generated random name picker. All of this will be videotaped so that nobody can cry foul. To see examples of us using this tool, click here, here or here. Unfortunately, we cannot get Col. Bruce to pick names out of a beer pitcher every time. We would be a lot cooler if we could.

2) The deadline for entry is Monday, 12/5/11 at 11:59 PM CST

3) Good Luck!

Eligibility requirements:

1) No previous or current Honest Tune editor/staff may enter.

2) Contributors may enter.

3) Only one entry per person will be allowed and IP Addresses are logged on the survey site.

4) Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and from within the continental United States.

Handgun Shootin’ w/ Greensky Bluegrass (Interview)

This contest is solely the responsibility of Honest Tune. Odds of winning depend on number of entries. The winner will be contacted via his/her email address and must respond to the contact within 72 hours. All entries must be received from within the United States. All entries must be submitted via the above listed criteria and Honest Tune reserves the right to disqualify entries based solely its discretion and upon an entryâ€™s lack of conformity to the standards outlined above. Total prize value: $30.00

As most of you have noticed, we walked away from The Festy Experience with some of the sweetest gold possible. In the form of exclusive acoustic performances from some of the amazing artists on the bill, the content has been exceptional. Many of you have been kind enough to share the word to your network of friends and we want thank youÂ by offering a piece of memorabilia that we obtained while on the site at Devil’s Backbone.

Plus when you share the link (in accordance with the instructions below), you are also causing Honest Tune to cough up a buck to a good cause and one that is close to The Festy’s heart.

How to enter:

2) You MUST share from those links or we will not know that you have entered.

3) For each entry, Honest Tune will donate one dollar to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Nelson County, VA**

How a winner will be chosen:

1) The deadline for entry is 10/27/11 at 11:59pm EST.

2) All names of people who have shared the link(s) will be placed into an online random name picker and a winner will be randomly selected via that site.

3) The winner will be contacted and the video of the drawing will be placed on Honest Tune’s site. The latest example of how that process works can be viewed here.

Official eligibility requirements:

1) No previous or current Honest Tune editor/staff may enter.Â 2) Contributors may enter. 3) Only one entry per person per link is allowed.Â 4) Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. 5) Applicants must be residents of the continental United States.

Fine Print:

This contest and the contents contained herein are solely the responsibility of Honest Tune. Odds of winning depend on number of entries. The winner will be contacted via his/her Facebook account and must respond to the contact within 72 hours. All entries must be received from within the United States. The winner will one signed poster from The Festy Experience (details above). The poster will be shipped to the winner at the shipper’s expense. The winner may not transfer or sell the poster. Total prize value: $15.00. All entries must be submitted via the above listed criteria and Honest Tune reserves the right to disqualify entries based solely on its discretion and upon an entryâ€™s lack of conformity to the standards outlined above.

This summer, we at Honest Tune have been enamored by My Morning Jacket. On the heels of the recent album, Circuital,Â a record that represents some of the band’s greatest work to date, the summer has turned songs that have been reeling from iPod’s for less than 90 days into honest choral declarations being sung in packed venues across the nation from a legion of adoring fans. It seems that we finally have a jamband with a hippie messiah (in front man Jim James) that has hit the big time.

We have extensively covered their live sets and shows and whether at Bonnaroo, Wakarusa, Hangout, Lollapalooza or Red Rocks and now, Tuscaloosa, the sound — that is as equally reminiscent of Lynyrd Skynyrd as it is Pearl Jam or The Doors — remains as fresh and smooth as one of Kentucky’s other fine exports: a recently seal-cracked bottle of fine bourbon.

Unfortunately, the summer also brought some things that were disastrous; most notably, at the hands of Mother Nature,Â the fiercest tornadic month since weather began being recorded in the United States. Amongst the devastation left in April and early May was the destruction caused by the supercell EF-4 that struck in Tuscaloosa, AL on April 27.

Shortly thereafter, MMJ announced a benefit concert for the ravished but strong community and on August 19, they brought Neko Case and Phosphorescent out to raise funds for the local United Way… and if there is one thing that Honest Tune loves as much as contests, festivals and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, it is charitable efforts (our Tuscaloosa benefit items sold out, but some Joplin items remain). Naturally, we had to cover this event, and quite the event that it was. It was well played, well sung and highlighted by a stretched out “Steam Engine,” but moreover, by the general atmosphere that began on stage and resonated within the crowd of mostly twenty-somethings. Further, it came complete with one of MMJ’s standard stage prop bears dressed as Paul “Bear” Bryant with a “Live United” t-shirt on and multiple comments on the strength of the community from James, who along with his band mates, followed the storm’s path with NPR earlier in the day. In spite of the greatness that took place in T-Town, rather than recite the occurrences of the evening, we have decided to do something a little different and do some more donating ourselves.

But first, click on the thumbnail for a photo gallery from Tuscaloosa…

[Oops… this gallery seems to be experiencing carry-over problems from the recent site update. No need to contact us. We are on it! In the meantime, you can continue to view the photos. Just click on one and then navigate “back” to return to this page and view more shots.]

Second, the goods…

What you are playing for:

1) You are entering to win either (1) copy of Circuital (vinyl) that is signed by My Morning Jacket and (1) drumstick that is signed by My Morning Jacket drummer, Patrick Hallahan OR (1) copy of Circuital (CD) that is signed by My Morning Jacket. 2) There will be only one first place prize winner (the vinyl and the drumstick) and one second place prize winner (the CD)

How to enter:

How a winner will be chosen:

1) All of the entered names will be copied from the survey site and pasted into a computer generated random name picker. All of this will be videotaped so that nobody can cry foul. To see examples of us using this tool, click here or here.

2) THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS Monday, 9/5/11 at 11:59 PM CSTÂ

Eligibility requirements:

1) No previous or current Honest Tune editor/staff may enter.

2) Contributors may enter.

3) Only one entry per person will be allowed and IP Addresses are logged on the survey site.

4) Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and from within the continental United States.

The coolest part:

1) In the wake of yet another blow from Mother Nature, Honest Tune will donate a dollar for every UNIQUE entry to VERMONT RED CROSS SPECIFICALLY FOR HURRICANE/FLOOD VICTIM RELIEF**

Fine Print: This contest is solely the responsibility of Honest Tune. It is not affiliated with My Morning Jacket, ATO Records or other official representatives of My Morning Jacket. Odds of winning depend on number of entries. The winner will be contacted via his/her email address and must respond to the contact within 72 hours. All entries must be received from within the United States. All entries must be submitted via the above listed criteria and Honest Tune reserves the right to disqualify entries based solely its discretion and upon an entry’s lack of conformity to the standards outlined above. **The cap for the Honest Tune donation will be $350.00**

In our constant effort to provide nothing short of the best and most comprehensive music coverage possible, a new idea has been born. Once a month, we will feature a band that we “triple cover” at a live event with content that is extensive but also precise.

It seemed only natural that the first band to be featured would be Garage A Trois in a series with “triple” in the title. Aside from this obvious reason, there were others. The cast of players, Marco Benevento, Mike Dillon, Stanton Moore & Skerik, have an incredible new album out with Always Be Happy But Stay Evil that is equal parts funk, terror and jazz, Garage has consistently proven that instrumental music is not something that is reserved for grocery stores or elevators.